Backwaters

Location: Kovalam
The beauty of Kovalam can only be fully realized with a ride to the backwoods of Kovalam on a backwater cruise. The eye catching greenery there along with the mesmerizing aroma of the forests add a different dimension to the scenic beauty of the place. Catamarans, houseboats as well as country boats are given to the tourists on rent at very cheap rates. However, given the increasing demands of the industry of tourism in Kovalam , it is advisable to book a backwater cruise prior to the arrival here.

Beaches of Kovalam

Kovalam has been gifted with three beaches- the Samudra beach, the Hawah Beach and the Lighthouse Beach, and all the three have the potential of taking beauty and serenity to a different dimension.

Samudra beach

Location: In the Northern most part of the Kovalam Beach
The Samudra Beach is the northernmost of all the three beaches and is generally unperturbed by the hustle and bustle that pervade the rest of the two. This is an ideal setting for nature lovers in search of peace and solitude. The Local fishermen also use this beach for their business.

Hawah Beach

Location: 15 km from international airport
Also called Eve’s Beach, the Hawah Beach is known for its own beauty and splendour in Kovalam. This is separated from the Kovalam beach by the Edakullu foreland. It is said that in this beach the sunset has a different thing to offer each evening. It also contains a number of shops that sell bedspreads, clothes, silver ornaments and the like.

Lighthouse Beach

Location: on the southernmost part of the beach resort of Kovalam
Named after a Vizhinjam Lighthouse situated on a hill top called Kurumkal, the Lighthouse Beach is located on the southernmost part of the beach resort of Kovalam. The 35 meters tall lighthouse is beautifully painted in red and white and is clearly visible from almost all the corners of the beach. Around the light house are memorials of Ayyanappilla Asan and Ayyippilla Asan which are also visited by tourists in abundance.
This beach defines beauty to the truest sense of the term. With the swaying palms and the sapphire blue sea embellishing this beach, it is often referred to as the “Paradise of the South”. The tourists derive particular pleasure in fending off the cool breeze that blows in from the Arabian sea.
The lighthouse beach is also equipped with lifeguards throughout its length and breath. The area behind the beach has been concretized and developed into a cafeteria that excels in almost all kinds of seafood. Tourists can even indulge in refreshing Ayurvedic massages, sunbathing, water surfing and all sorts of adventurous water sports in the Light house Beach. The lighthouse road is also convenient for long leisurely walks and cycling.

The Neyyar Dam

Location: Around 30 Kms from Trivandrum
The Neyyar Dam has been built on the basin where the three rivers of Neyyar, Mullayar and Kallar meet. It was built in 1958 around 30 Kms from Trivandrum and has served as a must see tourist attraction ever since. The dam is also the seat of a rich Wildlife Sanctuary. Elephants, lion safaris,gaurs, sloth bears, Nilgiri tahrs and deer safaris are some of the popular attractions that quench the thirst of the nature environmentalists. The airport being only 38 kms away, the Dam is also easily accessible via bus routes.

Ponmudi

Location: Almost 61 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram
Ponmudi is a hill resort, almost 61 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram. A host to beautiful meandering pathways and cool, green, wooded environs, Ponmudi is located about 915meters above sea level. Apart from the towering mountains, nameless yet charming wild flowers, small rivulets, exotic springs, colorful butterflies and a deer park nearby, this hill station is also well known for mountaineering or trekking. Taxis and rent cars for Ponmudi can easily be got hold of from Thiruvananthapuram and that too in quite cheap rates. Ponmudi is connected to Thiruvananthapuram through a narrow winding road that is famous for the scenic view that it offers to the travelers. Another attraction in Ponmudi are a number of rivulets, some of which even flow across the road. The Golden Valley also fascinates the tourists with its fascinating hinterlands and lush green landscape. An access-point to River Kallar, the Golden Valley in Ponmudi can turn any layman into a romantic poet with its inherent beauty and charm.

Varkala Beach

Location: About 55 Kms away from Kovalam
Located about 55 Kms away from Kovalam, Varkala is a seaside resort.

Vellayani Lake

Location: 7-km from Kovalam via Poonkulam junction
If the Varkala Lake is known for its scenic serenity, the Vellayani Lake is beautiful for being the seat of the world famous annual boat race organized during the annual festival of Onam. The natives call the banks of this little lake as “tiny Kovalam”. The Vellayani Durga temple located close to the lake also has a uniqueness of its own. This is because; perhaps it is the only temple in South India that allows non Brahmin priests to worship the deity. It is located 7 km away Kovalam and is easily accessible in a rented vehicle.

Kanyakumari/ Cape Comorin

Location: Almost 90 Kms south from Kovalam
Placed almost 90 Kms south from Kovalam, Kanyakumari is one of the most visited places of South India

Padmanabhapuram Palace

Location: At the foothills of the Veli range, about 63 km away from Thiruvananthapuram
Located at the foothills of the Veli range, about 63 km away from Thiruvananthapuram, the Padmanabhapuram Palace is encased within the walls of the Padmanabhapuram fort. The palace was the capital of the kingdom of Travancore and hence the structure of this massive erection shows a heavy influence of the Travancore architectural plan. The Padmanabhapuram Palace is well known for a rich collection of murals, carved mahogany ceiling, coloured mica windows, secret underground passages, inner courtyards, museum, four poster medicinal bed, granite dance halls and special black shiny floors which are made from a unique combination of egg white, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand. It was built around 1601 A.D. by Iravipillai Iravivarma Kulasekhara Perumal, who ruled Travancore between 1592 A.D. and 1609 A.D. The palace has a number of chambers like Thai Kottaram, Natakasala, Mantrasala and Thekee Kottaram. Overall, the Padmanabhapuram Palace is a relic from the rich cultural and Architectural heritage of Kerela, that is bound to leave the spectators dumbfounded with its architectural splendor and the magnitude of engineering ingenuity. The palace remains closed on Mondays.

Shanghumugham Beach

Location: Near the Thiruvananthapuram airport, the Shanghumukham Beach is just 8 km away from the main city
Located near the Thiruvananthapuram airport, the Shanghumukham Beach is just 8 km away from the main city. This is an exotic location to enjoy sunset from. Tourists who are in the look out for a serene and peaceful holiday in the lap of nature, the beach of Shanghamukham is a perfect place for them. Apart from being decorated with a 35meter long statue of a mermaid, the beach is also famous for a quaint looking restaurant in the shape of a star fish. This proves to be particularly amazing to children who enjoy fun and frolic amidst nature in her serene best.

Thiruvallam Parashurama Temple

Location: Almost 12 kilometers away from Kovalam
Thiruvallam Parashurama Temple is located almost 12 kilometers away from Kovalam. This is perhaps the only temple of the Hindus that is dedicated to Parashurama. The temple is located on the banks of the river Karamana and is believed to be around 2000 years old.